This copycat Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Latte only takes 10 minutes to make and is just as good as what you’d buy from a barista! Combine rich espresso, caramel brulee syrup, milk and toffee bits for an indulgent coffee drink that any coffee lover would enjoy!
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Caramel Brûlée Latte Recipe
Homemade lattes may just be one of my favorite things to make now. I love making Starbucks copycat recipes to save some money. But you also never have to leave the comfort of your own home and pajamas to take a drive to a coffee shop.
This delicious caramel brulee latte recipe is my latest creation and I just cannot stop drinking it. It’s the most comforting and creamy beverage and has quickly become the best part of my morning. But that’s not to say I don’t switch things up and make a good sugar cookie latte or pumpkin spice latte. During the holiday season, I’m always changing things up with my morning coffee.
However, it’s no wonder that this latte is a holiday favorite. Honestly, if Santa drinks coffee, this is probably what he’d have! It’s just sweet enough to be candy-like, but that bold flavor of espresso comes through just perfectly.
If you’re a fan of iced coffee, you can make this sweet beverage iced too! There’s really no downside to making your own coffee drinks.
More caramel beverage recipes: Iced Caramel Macchiato • Caramel Apple Mimosas • Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Bombs
Why you’ll love this recipe
What’s not to love about a delicious latte that is topped with whipped cream and candy bits:
- The homemade version of a copycat Starbucks caramel brulee latte tastes just as good as the real thing and is much more affordable. If you want to cut your spending on $7 lattes, then you’ll love this recipe!
- It is really easy to make a latte at home. A coffee shop has all this big and fancy equipment that makes it look difficult to make your own lattes, but once you learn you will see how easy it actually is.
- Make a latte from start to finish in just 10 minutes! And it’ll fly by because it’s so much fun to make your favorite coffee drinks on your own.
Tools & glassware
You will need to either have an espresso machine or coffee machine to make shots of espresso or strong coffee. You can also use a pour over or french press. Make sure you have a way to steam milk too. A steam milk frother or a hand frother and saucepan will work.
Grab some measuring cups and spoons so that you can measure out the ratio of ingredients correctly. You will also need latte mugs or mugs that are large enough to fit a latte. Travel mugs work too!
Ingredients
Just a few simple ingredients and you’ll have a masterpiece drink in no time! Here’s what you need to have on hand:
- caramel syrup or caramel sauce
- espresso or very strong coffee
- 2% or whole milk
- crushed toffee bits
- whipped cream
Substitutions & variations
The kind of milk you use really doesn’t matter too much, it comes down to personal preference. I prefer really creamy lattes, which is why I use whole milk or 2%. However, you can something like skim milk for fewer calories.
Feel free to use non-dairy milk to make a dairy free beverage. Almond milk and oat milk tend to be a creamy milk alternative that steam well. But you can also use soy milk or coconut milk. Omit the whipped cream or make a dairy free whip!
While this recipe is for a caramel brûlée latte, you can use other syrups if you prefer. This toffee nut syrup would be delicious!
How to make espresso
It is easiest to make lattes at home if you have with an espresso machine. I personally use this Nespresso machine.
I love having this easy machine on hand for quick lattes and cappuccinos. If you don’t have an espresso machine, not to worry — you can still make lattes at home. Here are a few different methods to try:
- Aeropress: This is great for making coffee and espresso. I have personally tried this before and the strong coffee turned out really delicious in my lattes!
- Stovetop espresso maker: Make espresso on the stove with something like this cute and effective little pot!
- Instant espresso powder: While this is probably my least favorite method (because fresh coffee is much better and makes more high quality beverages) it can be great in a pinch. If you are traveling or can’t access these other methods, then this is a great option.
Still need more ideas? Then check out these tips for making a latte without an espresso machine.
How to steam milk
After you make your strong espresso shot, it’s time to steam your milk. There are a few ways you can steam your creamy milk:
- Frother machine: I use the Aeroccino that came with my Nespresso machine. If you do not have a Nespresso, then give this milk frother a try. It’s pretty similar and is actually much cheaper!
- Handheld frothing tool: Before I got an espresso machine, I used a basic milk frothing tool like this one. Just warm your milk first, and then use this electric frother to make perfectly foamy milk.
- Microwave: You can actually steam your milk in the microwave! It is a really easy way to make hot milk that you can froth for lattes.
- In a French press: This tutorial shows you how to froth milk with a French press. A great way to keep you from having to purchase extra tools if you already have a French press.
How to make a Caramel Brûlée Latte
While the espresso (or coffee) is brewing and the milk is steaming, you can start on assembling your caramel brûlée latte. Here’s how to make this latte:
- Add your caramel syrup, or caramel sauce, to a latte mug or other large mug. Make sure it has enough space to hold the entire caramel brulee latte.
- Top with piping hot espresso or hot coffee. Make sure you’re using enough coffee!
- Stir to combine the syrup and coffee.
- Then immediately pour the steamed milk over the espresso shots and layer on as much of the foamy milk as you want.
- Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce and crushed toffee bits. Serve immediately!
Tips & tricks
Check out my handy tips for success if you have any hiccups while making this recipe:
- You can easily adjust the sweetness in this caramel brulee latte by adding more caramel syrup or reducing the amount that the recipe calls for.
- If you are not making espresso, be very careful not to make your coffee too weak. The sweetness of the caramel and toffee needs that slightly bitter bite of bold coffee!
- Make sure you mix coffee syrup into hot coffee so that it doesn’t stay settle on the bottom of the cup.
What to serve with a caramel brûlée latte
You will love enjoying this latte with your favorite coffee shop treats. Start with some madeleines or some dark chocolate almond biscotti. Or a caramel treat like caramel popcorn.
You could also enjoy this drink with your favorite breakfast and brunch foods, like caramel apple french toast casserole.
FAQ
A caramel latte just uses milk, caramel syrup, and espresso. Whereas, a caramel brulee latte is often more sweet and rich and uses a caramel brulee crumble like toffee pieces.
It is absolutely possible to lower the caloric content and sugar content in this drink! Torani syrups has plenty of sugar free options you can use. Then swap your regular milk for skim milk or a dairy free option in this simple recipe. You can also find some sugar free toffee candy and whipped cream, or just omit them from the drink.
More latte recipes
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Caramel Brûlée Latte
ingredients
- ½ ounce caramel syrup or caramel sauce, plus more for garnish (optional)
- ⅓ cup espresso or very strong coffee
- ½ cup whole milk or 2% milk or your milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon crushed toffee bits
- ¼ cup whipped cream
instructions
- Make your espresso or strong coffee. Then add it to a latte mug and stir in the caramel syrup.
- Make steamed milk. Use a milk frother machine or a milk frother tool to froth warm milk.
- Pour the frothy milk over the espresso.
- Top with whipped cream, crushed toffee bits and more caramel sauce, if desired.
notes
Tips & tricks
- You can easily adjust the sweetness in this caramel brulee latte by adding more caramel syrup or reducing the amount that the recipe calls for.
- If you are not making espresso, be very careful not to make your coffee too weak. The sweetness of the caramel and toffee needs that slightly bitter bite of bold coffee!
- Make sure you mix the syrup into the hot coffee so that it doesn’t stay settle on the bottom of the cup.
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